Purpose

This study aims to investigate the evolution of terminology in supply chain management (SCM) and its implications for the field’s strategic orientation. It also aims to understand how SCM terms adapt to interdisciplinary contexts, reflecting shifts in theoretical and practical approaches within the discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic literature review and analyzes over 3,500 unique SCM-related terms extracted from approximately 33,000 abstracts. By using Descending Hierarchical Classification and factor analysis, the research methodologically identifies key shifts in terminology and discerns underlying patterns.

Findings

This study categorizes terminological variations in SCM into three main clusters: product–agent, performance objective orientation and structure. These variations signal not only linguistic changes but also strategic shifts in SCM understanding and practice. Notably, terms such as “green,” “sustainable” and “circular” supply chains have emerged in response to evolving internal and external pressures and trends. In addition, this paper offers a nuanced understanding of these terminological adaptations, proposing a reference framework for navigating SCM’s evolving lexicon and highlighting global usage and geographical and cultural nuances in SCM discourse.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a reference framework that complements existing SCM definitions, fostering a shared understanding of SCM variations on a global scale. This framework enhances cultural sensitivity within the field and underscores SCM’s adaptability and flexibility. These insights offer a nuanced view of SCM dynamics, benefiting researchers and practitioners alike. Beyond terminology, this study sheds light on the interplay between language and SCM strategy, providing a valuable perspective for navigating the evolving SCM landscape. The study’s scope is constrained by the analyzed abstracts. Future research could broaden this analysis to encompass more SCM literature or delve deeper into the implications of terminological changes.

Practical implications

This study offers practitioners a reference framework for navigating the evolving lexicon of SCM. This framework aids in understanding the strategic implications of terminological changes, enhancing clarity and context in both academic and practical applications.

Social implications

By acknowledging global usage and variations, the research underscores the impact of geographical and cultural nuances on SCM discourse. This global perspective enriches the understanding of SCM as a dynamic and culturally sensitive field.

Originality/value

This research is novel in its extensive and systematic exploration of SCM terminology. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of how language evolves in tandem with strategic shifts in the field, providing a unique perspective on the interplay between terminology and strategy in SCM.

中文翻译：

---

不断变化的术语，不断发展的战略：供应链管理术语的定制及其影响

 目的

本研究旨在调查供应链管理 (SCM) 术语的演变及其对该领域战略方向的影响。它还旨在了解 SCM 术语如何适应跨学科背景，反映学科内理论和实践方法的转变。

设计/方法论/途径

本研究采用系统文献综述并分析了从约 33,000 份摘要中提取的 3,500 多个独特的 SCM 相关术语。通过使用降序层次分类和因素分析，该研究在方法上识别了术语的关键转变并辨别了潜在的模式。

 发现

本研究将 SCM 中的术语变化分为三个主要类别：产品代理、绩效目标导向和结构。这些变化不仅标志着语言的变化，还标志着 SCM 理解和实践的战略转变。值得注意的是，“绿色”、“可持续”和“循环”供应链等术语的出现是为了应对不断变化的内部和外部压力和趋势。此外，本文还对这些术语的改编提供了细致入微的理解，提出了一个参考框架，用于导航 SCM 不断发展的词汇，并强调 SCM 话语中的全球使用情况以及地理和文化的细微差别。

研究局限性/影响

本文提出了一个参考框架，补充了现有的 SCM 定义，促进了对全球范围内 SCM 变化的共同理解。该框架增强了该领域的文化敏感性，并强调了供应链管理的适应性和灵活性。这些见解提供了对 SCM 动态的细致入微的看法，使研究人员和从业者都受益。除了术语之外，这项研究还揭示了语言和 SCM 策略之间的相互作用，为驾驭不断发展的 SCM 格局提供了宝贵的视角。该研究的范围受到分析摘要的限制。未来的研究可以扩大这种分析范围，以涵盖更多的 SCM 文献或更深入地研究术语变化的含义。

 实际影响

这项研究为从业者提供了一个参考框架，用于驾驭不断发展的 SCM 词汇。该框架有助于理解术语变化的战略影响，增强学术和实际应用中的清晰度和背景。

 社会影响

通过承认全球使用情况和差异，该研究强调了地理和文化差异对 SCM 话语的影响。这种全球视角丰富了对供应链管理作为一个充满活力和文化敏感领域的理解。

 原创性/价值

这项研究的新颖之处在于对SCM术语进行了广泛而系统的探索。这项研究对语言如何随着该领域的战略转变而演变进行了全面分析，为供应链管理中术语和战略之间的相互作用提供了独特的视角。